SACRAMENTO (May 2, 2002) -- The California Senate today voted 22-13 to pass AB 1058 by Assemblymember Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills). The bill passed the Assembly on January 30 and now goes back to the Assembly for concurrence on amendments.

"AB 1058 will bring cleaner skies and less of the carbon pollution responsible for global warming," said Ann Notthoff, NRDC California Advocacy Director. "It will give California drivers the freedom to choose the cars and trucks that they want without all the pollution. Once again, California is finding innovative solutions to clean up automobile emissions.

"For 40 years, Americans have demanded safer and cleaner cars, and every time the auto companies have been able to meet new standards. Today we have more and better vehicles to choose from than ever before. We can do the same with global warming pollution. It's a shame the public has to fight so hard to get these innovations.

"AB 1058 directs the California Air Resources Board to set sensible, cost-effective limits for carbon dioxide pollution based on sound science and sound engineering. Global warming is a serious issue in California. Scientists say we are in for expensive consequences if we don't get a handle on global warming emissions soon. Fortunately, existing technology can solve this problem."

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 500,000 members nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco.